verschonen
spare
Jemandem etwas Schlimmes nicht antun oder ihn in Ruhe lassen.
The German word "verschonen" is a verb that means "to spare" or "to pardon." It is derived from the prefix "ver" and the verb "schonen," which means "to be gentle with" or "to take care of." "Verschonen" is used to express the act of not subjecting someone or something to harm, difficulty, or an undesirable situation.
Similar Words
- Erbarmen (to have mercy on)
- Verzeihen (to forgive)
- Schonung (spare in the noun form: leniency)
Differences
- Erbarmen: While this means to have mercy on someone, it usually connotes compassion and sympathy rather than the act of not inflicting harm.
- Verzeihen: This means to forgive; it's more about absolving someone of blame or guilt rather than sparing them from something.
- Schonung: This is the noun form related to "schonen" and signifies leniency or conservation rather than the direct action of sparing someone.
Thus, "verschonen" specifically implies not engaging in a harsh or destructive act towards someone or something.
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Examples
Bitte verschone mich mit den Details.verb
Please, spare me the details.
Die Lehrer verschonen die Schüler während der Prüfungen nicht.verb
The teachers do not spare the students during the exams.
Der Sturm war heftig, aber er verschonte zum Glück unser Dach.verb
The storm was severe, but luckily it spared our roof.
Hätte die Flut das kleine Dorf doch bloß verschont.verb
If only the flood had spared the small village.
Hoffentlich verschont uns die Grippewelle in diesem Winter.verb
Hopefully the flu wave spares us this winter.
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